Obama Gets Tough

By

Jason L. Riley

Aug. 8, 2014 3:51 p.m. ET

It's been clear for some time that President Obama's global disengagement has only emboldened bad actors in places like Iran, Syria and Russia. Perhaps his decision Thursday to authorize air strikes in Iraq is a strategic pivot. Or maybe Mr. Obama is just reacting to the polls.

A Wall Street Journal survey out this week found that just "36% approve of Mr. Obama's handling of foreign policy, compared with the 60% who disapprove—his worst-ever marks." Americans aren't eager to send troops into harm's way,...